If you’re a plant lover with pets like me, you’ve probably had that heart-stopping moment: you bring home a gorgeous orchid, only to see your curious cat is already investigating it with a bit too much interest.
As someone who adores both plants and pets, I know the feeling. My cat, Sniffles, seems to think every new plant is his personal snack. So, naturally, I had to find out – are orchids toxic to cats?
I did my research (without experimenting with my cat, of course!), and found an answer that was quite surprising.
Now, the question is, should you let your cat roam around your orchids freely, or should you keep them away instead?
No, Orchids Are Not Toxic To Cats
Good news, fellow cat and plant lovers! Orchids are not toxic to cats.
Yep, you read that right – your beautiful orchid and your curious kitty can coexist. But before you let out a sigh of relief, there’s a little catch: while orchids won’t poison your furry friend, experts still recommend keeping these blooming beauties out of paw’s reach.
Why, you ask?
Well, just because something isn’t toxic doesn’t mean it can’t cause a bit of tummy trouble.
This one time, I brought home the most stunning orchid, only to find my cat eyeing it like it was his favorite food. I did some digging (not the literal kind, although Sniffles did) and discovered that, while orchids won’t severely harm him, they can still cause some mild illness if ingested.
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But What Would Happen If Your Cat Munched On Your Orchids?
So, we can conclude that orchids aren’t that harmful to cats. But that doesn’t mean you should let them take a bite out of your orchids.
I’ve learned that munching on plants can sometimes upset a cat’s tummy, causing them to vomit, diarrhea, drool, or lose their appetite.
If you’ve used fertilizers or pesticides on your orchids, be extra careful – they might make your kitty feel worse! Some cats can even be allergic to orchid pollen, leading to sneezing fits and itchiness.
Different types of orchids can have different effects, so it’s a good idea to check out the specific variety you have.
For instance, moth orchids are the most common indoor orchids and are considered non-toxic to pets. However, I still keep my Sniffles far away from all my houseplants (especially catnip).
If That Happens, Do This
If your cat has nibbled on an orchid, do not panic!
This still hasn’t happened to me yet (and I hope it won’t happen in the future), but my sister has some experience with this.
She had a run-in with this issue when her cat decided to nibble on her orchids. She made sure her kitty had plenty of fresh water to stay hydrated, especially since it was dealing with some vomiting and diarrhea. Thankfully, her cat bounced back quickly!
But if symptoms hang around for more than 24 hours, or if your cat seems really distressed (lethargy, constant vomiting, or serious diarrhea), it’s best to call the vet for advice.
Always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to our furry friends!
To prevent any further incidents, it’s best to move your orchid out of your cat’s reach.
You might also consider growing cat grass, which can help ease stomach discomfort and nausea (you can find it in Walmart).
Remember, keeping your plants and pets safe doesn’t have to be a cat-astrophe – just make sure your orchids are away from your paw patrol and to always have a remedy on your hand (in case they still get to your orchids!).
Also read: These Plants Reduce Stress And Elevate Your Home’s Vibe